Attraction or Value?

[Kenny G]

100% attraction.

As with anything, value can go up or down and I couldn’t care less.

[dlddrrr]

50-50. Let’s be honest here, who amongst us wouldn’t see Rolexes in a different light if their price dropped 50% when you walked out of the store with it? Maybe a small section of the population wouldn’t care - but if you’re a logical buyer and not an emotional buyer, the resale value / price appreciation has got to come into the buying decision.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

50-50. Let’s be honest here, who amongst us wouldn’t see Rolexes in a different light if their price dropped 50% when you walked out of the store with it? Maybe a small section of the population wouldn’t care - but if you’re a logical buyer and not an emotional buyer, the resale value / price appreciation has got to come into the buying decision.

There’s an element of truth to that for me, I can admit it.

I’d phrase it like this …

I don’t buy watches with a view to sell them ever really. That said, from time to time you make a gaff, and if one doesn’t work out it’s nice knowing you didn’t throw a lot of money away

[Soulo]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

50-50. Let’s be honest here, who amongst us wouldn’t see Rolexes in a different light if their price dropped 50% when you walked out of the store with it? Maybe a small section of the population wouldn’t care - but if you’re a logical buyer and not an emotional buyer, the resale value / price appreciation has got to come into the buying decision.

I agree and respect your honesty. Rolex watches are great and beautiful peices which is why I own two myself. For those saying that they would still pay $10K plus for a Rolex even if it was worth nothing after walking out of the store makes me question thier financial decisions...but thats just me. I'm a businessman so I approach every large transaction from a business point of view even when it involves things that I lust for such as a watch. I guess others may approach transactions with a consumer mindset.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Soulo

I agree and respect your honesty. Rolex watches are great and beautiful peices which is why I own two myself. For those saying that they would still pay $10K plus for a Rolex even if it was worth nothing after walking out of the store makes me question thier financial decisions...but thats just me. I'm a businessman so I approach every large transaction from a business point of view even when it involves things that I lust for such as a watch. I guess others may approach transactions with a consumer mindset.

No need to question my financial decisions. They are sound.

With your mindset I don't understand how you and many others go on vacation from time to time. Why? You don't gain any financial returns from going on vacation. So why go on a vacation? You do it to enjoy it. Which is the reason I buy watches - to enjoy them. They are my hobby. Many spend money on hobbies with no return on investment, and watches are my hobby, and I love it. But that's just me.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by Dave O

No need to question my financial decisions. They are sound.

With your mindset I don't understand how you and many others go on vacation from time to time. Why? You don't gain any financial returns from going on vacation. So why go on a vacation? You do it to enjoy it. Which is the reason I buy watches - to enjoy them. They are my hobby. Many spend money on hobbies with no return on investment, and watches are my hobby, and I love it. But that's just me.

I think the difference is you'd still buy the watch but you'd buy it pre-owned so the depreciation already happened just as you would with a car.

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[Dave O]

Originally Posted by amphora001

I think the difference is you'd still buy the watch but you'd buy it pre-owned so the depreciation already happened just as you would with a car.

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All of my watches are new and from an AD. So for my Breitling and Omega I've already taken a hit which does not bother me in the least.

[Soulo]

Originally Posted by Dave O

No need to question my financial decisions. They are sound.

With your mindset I don't understand how you and many others go on vacation from time to time. Why? You don't gain any financial returns from going on vacation. So why go on a vacation? You do it to enjoy it. Which is the reason I buy watches - to enjoy them. They are my hobby. Many spend money on hobbies with no return on investment, and watches are my hobby, and I love it. But that's just me.

Once again, its kind of strange to compare Rolex purchases to vacations and car purchases, it veers off topic somewhat. I'm sensing a little temper and not sure why, I already acknowledged the kind of purchaser that you are and I said that its a beautiful thing.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by Soulo

Once again, its kind of strange to compare Rolex purchases to vacations and car purchases, it veers off topic somewhat. I'm sensing a little temper and not sure why, I already acknowledged the kind of purchaser that you are and I said that its a beautiful thing.

No temper implied. It's a good debate. And in the end it's to each their own. But as much as you think it's strange to include vacations and cars in the debate, I think it's strange that you do not. There are thousands of people that don't think twice of leasing a high class car for $500 to $1000 a month for 36 months and have nothing to show for it once the lease is up (that being said, I only purchase my cars, never lease ). Or spending $10k on a vacation and have nothing to show for it when the vacation is over. But these same people are worried about losing money when purchasing a watch? It simply makes no sense to me, as much as my argument makes no sense to you. To me a Rolex is a watch, a life style, not an investment.

[VerticalClutch]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

50-50. Let’s be honest here, who amongst us wouldn’t see Rolexes in a different light if their price dropped 50% when you walked out of the store with it? Maybe a small section of the population wouldn’t care - but if you’re a logical buyer and not an emotional buyer, the resale value / price appreciation has got to come into the buying decision.

I’m with the folks who’d buy them if they were worth zero once I walked out of the store; and I’m a logical buyer. Why would you assume it’s emotional? Resale value absolutely does not come into the buying decision at all.

Here’s some logic: it wasn’t until recently that a Rolex was a net asset increase. To assume it will remain that way indefinitely is poor logic. The days of it being a net loss will return. Buy accordingly less you get caught holding the hot potatoe you can’t afford.. Secondly, I will die with plenty of money. Why should I not buy something I’ll enjoy since I will never need the money? Wouldn’t it be illogical to pile up more cash I’ll never use?

I have plenty of watches that are worth more than what I paid for them, but many more that are worth less. I’ve never added it up, but I’m sure I’m at a large loss…and I couldn’t be happier with my purchases.

[Soulo]

Originally Posted by VerticalClutch

Secondly, I will die with plenty of money. Why should I not buy something I’ll enjoy since I will never need the money? Wouldn’t it be illogical to pile up more cash I’ll never use?

Question, do you have a wife and children?

[VerticalClutch]

Originally Posted by Soulo

Question, do you have a wife and children?

I do. Three kids and still happily married to their mother.

[Soulo]

Originally Posted by VerticalClutch

I do. Three kids and still happily married to their mother.

Ok, I was just trying to get a better understanding, it seems as though you mentioned spending money due to you not needing it after you pass as if you may not have had a wife and children to leave it to.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Soulo

Out of 100%, how much would you say that your Rolex purchase is made out of attraction and how much out of value?

As I browse several different brands, I see watches that are more visually pleasing than Rolex, but of course when spending several thousands, you want your value to remain as well.

FYI, I currently own a Rolex 118238 and 124060 and are currently in the market for an addition to my collection.

It depends.

Of the 3 I have currently, I bought my stickered NOS 16600 with zero value consideration. In fact by removing the stickers and wearing it I reduced its value.

My TT CHNR was bought "grey" with very little value consideration. There is no question that value retention made the decision to pay over retail a little easier.

With my 115609, however, whilst I think it's a beautiful watch and I absolutely love it, would I have dropped that much coin on a watch that was going to tank in value? Probably not...

[SS Oyster]

My experience with two very stupid (and financially poor) choices proved to me that now my watch buying is based 100% on brand love, which is attractive to me.

Bad choice #1: At the time, I could only afford 1 nice luxury watch. Traded Hulk (116610LV) for Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms. Fell almost immediately out of love with the BPFF and wanted my Hulk back, only to learn that wasn't possible without adding around $3k to a trade. Lesson learned (you would think).

Bad choice #2: Same scenario and after getting burned once, you would think I would learn, but NO ... I traded another Hulk (yes, after reacquiring) for a IWC Big Pilot. Same thing happened, but this time the penalty was worse and I never did get the Hulk ever again. Prices went crazy for it and I wasn't able to convince myself to pay those prices to get the Hulk back. Eventually, AD was able to allocate a 12LV for me as a consolation prize.

Not sure if anyone else has ever gone through such a thing, but I have learned my lesson. I no longer get bored with my Rolex watches. I love them for what they are and my eye doesn't wander like it used to. Of course, it helps that I now have more Rolex options to wear.

[boltz]

90% of value and 60% of what i like.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Originally Posted by boltz

90% of value and 60% of what i like.

60% of the time it works every time!

[Subb]

i like what i buy.

[thesharkfactor]

I have two Rolex, 126710BLRO and 16613LB, those are the two most attractive watches to me.

[chronocapsoul]

Attraction, I get my watches because I like them and want to wear them.

[Watch-Geek]

Since I own about 20+ watches including Basic Casio, G-shocks, Vostok, Sturmanskie, Sea-gull, Seiko 5's, vintage King Seiko, Moonwatch, JLC Reverso, a couple of microbrands and two Rolex watches, I'll say I'm in the 100% attraction section .

But I would lie if I said it didn't make me feel happy knowing i can always get my money back with Rolex and actually make a profit if life takes a turn for the worse.

You realize you get to wear them for free, and there's a sense of serenity in it.

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[dmash]

100% aesthetic

Most of the guys who say value plays any role other than some added bonus to ownership are likely new to horology as a whole.

[Dave O]

Originally Posted by dlddrrr

50-50. Let’s be honest here, who amongst us wouldn’t see Rolexes in a different light if their price dropped 50% when you walked out of the store with it? Maybe a small section of the population wouldn’t care - but if you’re a logical buyer and not an emotional buyer, the resale value / price appreciation has got to come into the buying decision.

I wouldn't. I buy them for the love of the watch, not what it's worth. I couldn't care less if the value was 0 the second I walked out of the AD. Again, it's for the love of the watch and the smile it puts on my face. To me, it's no different than an expensive vacation. Many of us take them. But the second you come home all money is lost but the memories. For me, it's no different with a watch.

Originally Posted by dmash

100% aesthetic

Most of the guys who say value plays any role other than some added bonus to ownership are likely new to horology as a whole.

Agree. As I have said in another thread, some of us are just watch lovers. We love the watch for what it is - a superlative watch. We could care less if it loses value the second we walk out the door of the AD. We buy them because we love them, not because we intend to make money on them down the road.

When someone thinks of it as an investment, we end up in the situation we are in now. That is, more demand than supply and forever wait lists for a Rolex. It will be a happy day in my book when the Rolex watch market crashes and we can go into a Rolex AD and get whatever we want. I know, wishful thinking, but maybe, someday.

[Snowballs]

I enjoy my collection.

IMHO - The value is how it makes you feel.

I care not if anyone else notices I have a Rolex.

My answer is 'Attraction'

[mmbiker]

My SMP is definitely not for value as they drop in price when you buy them new. But love wearing it

My Rolex, past and present, the value retention is 70% of the reason I buy them and I love wearing them. If my Rolex were not as exclusive or retent value as good as expected from a Rolex, I doubt I would spend so much on a Rolex. Just being honest :)


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[ts3]

100% looks, which is why I have never gotten a Rolex in the first place, sorry.

[alphadweller]

Attraction 70%
Value 30%

I bought some Rolex models because they were my favourite ones, in spite of many people considering them to be dogs, like the YM pt dial and SD43. Hype turns me off.

[JJGreen]

Good topic, discussion!

I'll go with 1/3 attraction, 1/3 utility, 1/3 value. The Rolex watches I have are attractive and fairly priced. I would agree there are other options out there, but for $8-15K a SS Rolex is a good watch. They are comfortable, legible, water proof. And knowing I can enjoy them and not lose money, or lose a little, is pretty important to me.

[Soulo]

Originally Posted by JJGreen

Good topic, discussion!

I'll go with 1/3 attraction, 1/3 utility, 1/3 value. The Rolex watches I have are attractive and fairly priced. I would agree there are other options out there, but for $8-15K a SS Rolex is a good watch. They are comfortable, legible, water proof. And knowing I can enjoy them and not lose money, or lose a little, is pretty important to me.

Thanks, my aim was to provide an interesting conversation amongst my Rolex brethren.

[Laostuh]

I'd say about 60% attraction, 40% value. I wouldn't spend thousands on something I did not like, I also wouldn't spend thousands on it if it immediately loses its value.